North Korea aims for military boost with 3 more satellites and drones by 2024, amid rising tensions

Following the successful launch and operation of their first reconnaissance satellite, North Korea expressed renewed determination to push forward the development of space science and technology by launching three additional satellites within the next year, according to a statement from a year-end meeting involving the country's leader, Kim Jong Un.

Kim indicated that his country has no other choice but to proceed with the development of nuclear weapons and deepen its ties with countries that oppose the United States — a gesture that could seemingly involve Russia and other nations, reported the Reuters agency.

Kim firmly ruled out the notion of unifying with South Korea. He asserted that North Korea must significantly revise its stance towards its southern neighbor.

North Korea made a public announcement in November declaring the successful placement of its first spy satellite in orbit. Since then, this satellite has been sending images of potential targets, such as the White House, US military bases, the Pentagon, and identified areas of South Korea, to Pyongyang as outlined by the North Korean media.

The satellite's launch has stoked tensions on the Korean Peninsula further. South Korea responded by partially revoking a military tension easement agreement, leading Pyongyang to retaliate by withdrawing entirely from the agreement and announcing the installation of new weapon types near the border.

The announcement of the successful satellite launch came following a meeting between Kim and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Putin pledged his support to Kim regarding satellite construction.

South Korean operatives suspect that Moscow likely provided technical assistance for North Korea's latest endeavor, indicative of their burgeoning partnership. Under this partnership, North Korea is expected to deliver millions of artillery shells to Russia.